Traffic Laws & Driving Rules
Ensures the traffic laws which is important since each state recognizes other states’ licenses as valid.
That being said, a few things to remember when driving
There are many rules to know. Before we go into some of the most important ones, you should reference your state's motor vehicle department to get a handle on any questions you may have.
Bluebonnet Driving School
Whether visiting or moving to another country, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the traffic laws that surround you. No matter what your intentions are toward driving, learning the rules of the road will keep you safe in an unfamiliar nation.
Good to know
It’s useful to know that the general attitude toward driving in the US is one of adventurous spirit. The idea of a “road trip” is part of the American way of life and having a car and taking a drive is an activity that people in the US embrace as a pastime. It is something a family might do on a weekend, or something a couple or individual might find themselves doing just for fun.
Therefore, it is crucial to truly understand all the rules. That way, if you are put in a stressful situation you can react accordingly without hesitation.
Some General Driving Rules
There are many rules to know. Before we go into some of the most important ones, you should reference your state’s motor vehicle department to get a handle on any questions you may have.
That being said, a few things to remember when driving include:
- Steering wheels are always situated on the left side of the car.
- Always drive on the right side of the road.
- White lines separate lanes of traffic traveling the same direction.
- Hashed or broken lines means you may change lanes when it is safe.
- Solid white lines mean stay in your lane.
- Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposing directions.
- Hashed or broken yellow lines mean you can carefully pass, paying attention to oncoming traffic.
- Never cross a solid yellow line (or double yellow line).
- When turning left at an intersection, pass in front of any cars that are turning left from the opposing direction (Do not try to pass behind them)
- Use the left lane to pass other cars traveling your direction.
- Do not pass in the right lane unless absolutely necessary.
- If you are driving in the far left hand lane and someone would like to pass you, move over to the right lane when it is safe to do so and allow them to pass.
- You must ALWAYS yield to pedestrians.
- Come to a complete stop whenever you see pedestrians trying to cross the street.
- Never pass a school bus if it has flashing red lights. Wait until the lights have stopped.
- Be aware of bicyclists. Often they share the road with cars and are supposed to also follow general traffic laws.
- It is mandatory to pull over or stop at an intersection to allow an emergency vehicle to pass you if you see one traveling with lights flashing and/or a siren running.
- Do not overuse your car horn. Horns are used almost exclusively for emergency situations or for when you feel unsafe.
Common driving rules
- Drivers must use the right side of the road
- Drunk driving is prohibited in all states
- Every state has seat belt laws
- Nearly every state requires auto insurance
- Right of way is given, not taken
- Yield right of way to emergency vehicles
- Drivers proceed in the order they arrive at traffic stops
- Stop for school buses dropping off children
- All states allow right turns at a red light
Common traffic laws
- Traffic proceeds counterclockwise in roundabouts
- Keep right on multi-lane highways
- Maximum speed limits vary by state
- Mobile phone use varies by state
- The minimum age for a learner’s permit varies by state
Traffic sign rules
- Red is only used on stop, yield, and prohibition signs
- White background is for regulatory signs such as speed limit signs
- Yellow is for warning messages like an upcoming railroad crossing
- Green indicates allowed traffic movement or directional guidance like highway exit signs
- Orange is for construction like detours or workers ahead signs
- Fluorescent yellow and green are for pedestrian and school crossings
- Blue alerts drivers to upcoming services like rest areas
- Brown indicates cultural, recreation, or tourist attractions